HELP CENTER
Everything You Need to Know
WHEN DO YOU NEED A FIRE SAFETY OFFICER?
This list is specifically categorized in reference to the filming and special events industry and is noncomprehensive of when a fire safety officer is needed in general
When a Fire Alarm system is impaired or shutdown for a period of time.
When a Sprinkler system is impaired or shutdown for a period of time.
Any major use of Fireworks, Hazardous materials, Flammable liquids/Gasses, excess combustible materials, Special Effects etc.
The use of haze/fog inside of a structure, which can obscure visibility and require the shutting down of an Alarm system.
Any potential blockage and/or obstruction of exits or entry ways.
Any interior burning or fire inside of a structure or confined space.
Any major use of electrical wires or cords (frayed or overlapping) which could pose a threat of fire or trip hazard for patrons.
Improper use and storage of propane tanks, combustible materials and other explosion hazards. (Tanks must be chained down and properly housed).
Overcrowding or over population of a structure at any given time.
Any building or structure that has overhead hazards (elevated loads, elevated power lines near workers, over protuberances such as ceilings, utilities, etc.)
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF A FIRE SAFETY OFFICER?
The State of Georgia requires a credentialed firefighter, certified in the state of GA to perform fire safety officer duties. Chapter 3 of the life safety code (LSC), covers preplanned impairments that occur when the system must be shut down for a period of time to allow for open flame operations, and defines a fire watch as one or more fire safety officers assigned with the following tasks.
Notifying the fire department, the building occupants, or both of an emergency
Preventing a fire from occurring
Extinguishing small fires
Protecting the public from fire or life safety dangers
WHY A FIRE SAFETY COMPANY IS A GREAT OPTION.
A Company that provides fire watch services provides its own insurance, eliminating any potential liability on the part of the building owner. In addition to requiring detailed training in how to conduct a fire watch; fire watch policies can be complex because there are often multiple authority having jurisdictions (AHJs) that must be notified of a system impairment and fire watch implementation, and they may have different interpretations regarding some aspects of the regulations A reliable subject matter expert/firefighter is best equipped for the task.
REFERENCE
The rules outlined in this section are from the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia website: www.rules.sos.ga.gov
*All jurisdictions and municipalities within the State of Georgia must adhere to and be responsible for implementing the State of Georgia’s Rules and Regulations as adopted under Chapter 120-3-3 along with various National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and the International Fire Code adopted under 120-3-3. According to Title 25-2-4 O.C.G.A., these codes have the “force and effect of law.”
Subject 120-3-3 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE STATE MINIMUM FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS
Rule 120-3-3-.01 Promulgation and Purpose
Official Code of Georgia Annotated, (O.C.G.A.) Section 25-2-4.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-4, rules and regulations adopted by the Safety Fire Commissioner O.C.G.A. 25-2-13, except as may be required or permitted by O.C.G.A. 25-2-12 and 25-2-12.1.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(f), O.C.G.A. 25-2-13.